Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8854, Abel Goff, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Goff, Abel Sarah
No 8854.
CONTENTS

2176
Massachusetts
Abel Boff
of Rehoboth in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Col Keyes in the [blank] time for 7 Days 15 Days
Inscribed on the Roll of [blank] at the rate of 34 Dollars 96 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of Nov 1832 and sent a Basset of Dighton Road
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $52.47 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 (Mar 33) 17.49
$69.96
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. B. Blair Clerk, Book D. Vol. 2 nd Page 54.

Mass No. 2 Massachusetts Sarah Goff widow of Abel Goff Mass who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 24 Dollars 98
Cents per annum, to commence the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of Sept. 1848 and sent to A. Basset Taunton Mass.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act Feb. 28 1848, Page Vol.
29th July, 1848, book 2 - vol 1 p 100
Reproduced Pet. S. Basset Dec. 9th '48.

I William Sweetland of Attleborough in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age to give evidence being duly cauti- oned and sworn according to law, do testify and say, that, At the time of  in the month of June 1832 of Rehoboth in said County, I did enlist into the Company whereof I was commissioned as an Ensign and commanded by Capt. Caleb Richardson, and attached to the Regiment commanded by Col. Danforth Keyes of Weston, and marched to North Kingston, in the State of Rhode Island, was stationed there for a time, from thence to Swanton in said State and served at the aforesaid places until the first day of December following, under General Spencer, making a term of Service of about six Months William Sweetland
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss.
Suborn August 16. D. 1832 Then personally appeared William Sweetland who after being duly cautioned made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
Before Me Allen Hunt Just. of Peace Bristol ss Nov. 1 D. 1832
I certify that William Sweetland, above named is a credible person Allen Hunt Just. of Peace

Bristol ss.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Anselm Basset, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Albin Hunt is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol & that the signature to the within Affidavit purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court, this twelfth day of November eighteen hundred & thirty two.
Anselm Basset

I Abel Medbury of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence being duly cautioned and sworn according to law, do testify and say, that Abel Goff now resident in said Rehoboth, was drafted on the first of August in the year A D 1778, and Marched to Giverton in the State of Rhode Island, and was on the Island of Rhode Island on the twenty ninth day of said August in an engagement with the British; afterwarards Marched to Greenwich in said State, and served one and a half Months in Capt Stephen Bullocks Company, in the Regiment commanded by Col Thomas Carpenter, in General Lovells Brigade, and that I served at the same time in Capt Dele Peeks Regiment Company, and was attached to the same Regiment and Brigade — Abel Medbury
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss
Situated August 16 th A. D. 1832 Then personally appeared Abel Medbury, who after being duly cautioned made solemn Oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
Before Me Alvin Kent Just. of P. Peace

Bristol p. Nov 9 th A. 1832
I certify, that I am well acquainted with the within Abel Meeberg within named that he is a credible Witness and his testimony is to be received as a credible Witness.
Allen Kent, Justice of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Paratit 255
I Anselm Bassett, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Allen Kent is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol & that the signature to the within Affidavit purporting to be his is his genuine signature -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hands & the seal of said Court this twelfth day of November, eighteen hundred & thirty two - Anselm Bassett

Abel Goff Son of Robert Goff Born April 22 nd . 1757. As of Record in the town Clerks Office in the town of Rehoboth.
Rehoboth August 16 th . 1832.
Attest James Blanding Town Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that, Abel Childs Luther —
who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman resident in Rehoboth in said County and that Abel Medbury — who has also signed the same is a resident in Rehoboth and is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit (Abel Medbury) H. Baylies Judge of Probate
I do hereby certify of the that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abel Goff for a pension
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office on the day and year first aforesaid
I Anselm Barrett, Register of the Court of Probate, within and for the County of Bristol, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abel Goff of Rehoboth in said County for a pension — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Office, this seventeenth day of August A.D. 1832. —
Anselm Barrett

N 2.745
Abel Goff

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol ss. On this Seventeenth day of August, in the Year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate &c. now sitting at Dighton in and for said County, by deponent Abel Goff, a resident of Rehoboth in said County, aged Seventy five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th. A. D. 1832
That he was born at Rehoboth in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 22nd 23rd day of April A. D. 1758, and that there is a record of his birth in Rehoboth; that he was in the States Service from latter part of the Month of June A. D. 1777. to the first day of December A. D. 1777 as a volunteer in the Massachusetts, States Militia; that he was Residing at Rehoboth aforesaid, when he entered the Service; that he enlisted as a private, and served for the period aforesaid under the Command of Captain Caleb Richardson, Col Sanford Hays and General Spencer; the Ensign of his Company was William Sweetland, now resident of Attleborough in said County; that he marched from Rehoboth to North Kingston, from thence to Kingston in the State of Rhode Island and remained at these places during said term — does not recollect any of the regular Troops; and no regular Officers, were known to him except General Spencer; that he was in no battle, and at the end of his Service received no written discharge: that since the Revolutionary war he has resided at Rehoboth.
Also, that he was in the States Service from the first day of August A. D. 1778. to the middle of October A. D. 1778 as a private in the Massachusetts State Militia

that he was residing at Said Rehoboth when he entered the service; that he was drafted and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Capt. Pelay Lusk, in the Regiment of Colonel Thomas Carpenter and in General Savell's Brigade; that he marched from Rehoboth to Giverton in the State of Rhode Island, from thence to the Island of Rhode Island & thence to Greenwich R. Island. - that he does not recollect any of the regular troops; and no regular officers were known to him; that he was at the battle on the Island of Rhode Island on the 29 th of August A. 1778 and at the end of his service he received no written discharge
We hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. - Abel Goff Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first aforesaid N. P. Baylies, Judge of Probate
We Childs Luthers - residing in the town of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abel Goff who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about five seventy six years of age; that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood, where resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution, and that we do concur in that opinion. Childs Luther Abel McLaughlin Subscribed and sworn as aforesaid.

N 2 Sarah Goff Wife of Abel Mass act 29 May 1848 Married 1795
Adm. 7 mo 15 day 1848 f 24 98 p.m. 24 98 Mar 4 March 1848
A Basset Taunton Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol
On this fifth day of September 1848, personally appeared before me Oliver Prescott Judge of the Court of Probate within & for said County & a Court of record Sarah Goff now resident in Rehoboth in said County aged 86 years who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed July 29, 1848 for the relief of certain surviving widows of officers & soldiers of the Revolutionary Army & other acts of Congress, viz) That she is the widow of Abel Goff late of said Rehoboth deceased who was a private soldier of the Army of the Revolution & a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832 & drew a pension at Boston of $340 per annum, which act is still in force & to which pension she is entitled, and she further declares that she was married to the said Abel Goff on the twenty second day of February one thousand seven hundred & ninety five as will appear by the records of said town of Rehoboth, a copy whereof is hereto annexed, and she further declares that her husband Abel Goff died on the sixteenth day of January A.D. 1839, and since that period she has remained a widow.
Wherefore she requests that the same pension may be allowed to her as was allowed to her said husband. And for further evidence she refers to her husband's declaration.

declaration now in the War Department
Sarah has  with mark
Benjamin craft
Sworn to the day and year first above mentioned in this sheet —
Before me Oliver Prescott
commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. Daniel Basset Register of the Court of Probate in for said county do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate is the Judge of said Court —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this fifth day of September Eighteen hundred and forty eight — D Basset
seal

I James Goff of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 52 years do testify & say that Sarah Goff who has subscribed & sworn to the preceding declaration is my mother & the said Abiel Goff was my father, My Father died on the sixteenth day of January 1839. I was present when he died & since that period my mother has lived a widow. My Father was a prisoner at the time of his death.
James Goff
Bristol ss Sept 5. 1848 Then James Goff Made oath to the truth of the foregoing Certificates by him subscribed
Before Me Cyrus M. Wheaton Justice of the Peace
And I further Certify that James Goff is a Credible Witness Cyrus M. Wheaton Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Witness us. I James Spratt, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol do hereby Certify that James Spratt and Cyrus M. Wheaton Esq. whose signatures are affixed to the foregoing certificates, are Justices of the Peace in & for said County of Bristol and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Taunton this fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred forty eight.
Jas. Spratt
declaration

State of Massachusetts Bristol County - Town Clerks office Rehoboth August 31 st 1848, I Cyrus M. Wheaton Town clerk of the Town of Rehoboth, depose & say that I have in my custody the Records of Births & Marriages which have taken place in said Town, & it appears by said Records that Abel Goff was married to Sarah Hardin on the Twenty second day of February Seventeen hundred and ninety five. By Jacob Hix Elder of a Baptist Church in Rehoboth, Cyrus M. Wheaton Town Clerk.
I Cyrus M. Wheaton above named depose & say that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town of Rehoboth with the exception of the date which is written in fair legible figures & words as follows, "February ye 22 d . 1795. Abel Goff Sarah Hardin both of Rehoboth were Married by me Jacob Hix Elder of a Baptist Church in Rehoboth."
Cyrus M. Wheaton Town Clerk of Rehoboth
Bristol ss, In Rehoboth Septembers 2 nd 1848, Then personally came Cyrus M. Wheaton known to me as Town Clerk of said Town & made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed.
Before me - James Blanding Justice of the Peace

2745-
Abel Goff
Private
7 Months & 15 days
The official church & signature of the Magistrate not certified. The church not certified to be a church
admitted
$0498
a Baptist Dighton Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Abel Goff  of  Rehoboth  in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Yes  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy Five Years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 17 77 " 5 " Private Col. D. Steges   78 2 15 " Col. Carpenter  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Rhode Island  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rehoboth  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses & traditional evidence 
 8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Defective witnesses not stated as credible & no Certificate to prove that Allen Gount before whom the witnesses were sworn was a Justice of Peace - I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
A. Addison Examining Clerk.

Pay  WIDOW, &c.  in
File No. 8854
Sarah Goff
Wid
Abel Goff
First Rev. War
Act: June 29 th  1848.
Index: — Vol. A , Page 279
[Arrangement of 1870.]

FREE
Wadsworth
Mr. C. L.
Anne
Sarah
Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Taunton Mass. Oct. 5. 1848.
Sir
The within Pension Certificate is returned for correcting a mistake therein, if there be one — Abel Goff the husband of Sarah Goff named in said Certificate received $34.98 per annum as is believed — Will you be pleased to make the correction if it ought to be made and return the same to me —
Very Respectfully Your obed. Servant A. Bassett
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

FREE
J. K. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pennins Washington D.C.
Handwritten notes and scribbles, including the word 'Ans' and some illegible cursive text.

Taunton Mass. Sept. 9. 1878
Sir, Herewith is the application of Sarah Goff W o of Abel Goff decd. for a pension —
Any communication you may be pleased to make relative thereto may be made to me.
Yours Respectfully A Bassett
H. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington

Abel Goff Somersaby N Pussell Richolth Dighton No 2745. Massachus

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abel Goff which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? He has
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? He has
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes in his favor
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes, and it has an inscription whereby it can be distinguished

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No—certificate to person that Allen Hunt (before whom the oaths taken) was at that time a Justice of Peace
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes in his declaration
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Abel Loff. Map act 7 June 1832 p 34 98 Knapp
To what time was he last paid?
LCAS
Pension Office
Sept. 21. 1848
Did 16 th Jan'y 1839 - Paid in full to that time - J. B. P.